Kapamilya actress Belle Mariano said that she considers constructive criticism from social media in preparing for her roles, while also learning to filter out the negative.
In an episode of ABS-CBN News’ Oh My Gan! hosted by Ganiel Krishnan, Belle revealed that she considers feedback that helps her improve as an actress.
“I have read some and parang paano ko iibahin yung role kong next. I reflect, sometimes if it matters like parang dini-differentiate ko na yung mga kapag troll iyan or bashers, hayaan mo na sila or if it’s someone na genuine yung comment, that’s what I take into heart and I reflect on it,” Belle said.
The actress is set to star in an upcoming project with Donny Pangilinan, where she will take on a new role. Despite her years of experience in the industry, Belle admitted that she still gets nervous.
“May kaba pa rin as in right now we are gonna do Tayo Sa Wakas with Donny, parang kabado talaga kasi syempre, the struggle is you want to differentiate your characters from one another. Matakot ka kapag wala na yung kaba,” Belle expressed.
While she acknowledged that reading comments can be helpful, Belle emphasized the importance of knowing which ones to take seriously.
“Given social media, I think there's two sides, double-edge sword siya for me, there's good and the bad. So parang feeling ko, you just really need to learn how to differentiate what's good for you and what’s not and at the same time, parang ako kasi hindi ko hinahayaan yung life ko outside showbiz na ma-affect. I value my time with my family, my friends, and yung supporters namin ni Donny,” she stated.
Belle also spoke candidly about online bashing, noting that criticism has become a constant presence in the digital space.
“The bashing, I feel like never-ending naman ang bashing sa social media diba. Parang everyone has to say something about someone, pero parang by the end of the day, just know who you are. Just like it's easier said than done pero kasi by the end of the day kung kilala mo naman yung sarili mo, these people or trolls or whatever shouldn't matter,” she explained
She went on to encourage responsible use of social media, reminding users of the impact their words can have on others.
“Plus, I feel like right now with the whole social media thing, I feel like we have to be more responsible in what we put out there and maybe that's one message also that I want to share with everyone,” she added.
Beyond the challenges of social media, Belle expressed deep gratitude for her supporters, particularly those who continue to support her tandem with Donny (DonBelle). According to her, their fans have become more than just supporters, but more like a family.
“Yung supporters namin ni Donny, they are so nice, they're the nicest and we are both very grateful for them. Grabe yung support nila na parang more than supporters, para silang nagiging family na (rin) namin kasi kilala na namin yung mga names nila tapos tuwing nag ga-gathering kami nakakatuwa kasi hindi lang sila yung ‘we are gonna support Belle’ (but also) friends din sila. So, nakakatuwa na nakikita ko iyon. Parang ako whenever I see that, nakakamove kasi these people actually support you and you want to just do your best more for them,” Belle said.
Belle also emphasized the need for a healthy and respectful online culture and environment, particularly among fans.
“It becomes toxic if nakakatapak na ng ibang tao. Every now and then, may nadadaanan ako parang kunyari nagaaway pitting me against someone or pitting us against someone. That's what I was saying earlier na we all have the power and capability to change someone's lives on social media. That's why we have to be responsible for how we respond.”
“Everyone is a role model in the social media world so it's just important that we remind ourselves to put good content out there instead of spreading negativity,” she expressed.